Arizona wants its BuildItAZ apprenticeship program to fill 20,000 construction jobs by the end of the decade. And so far, 3,000 registered apprentices have come out of the 2023 program.
It’s part of a push to bolster the construction workforce, with an emphasis on hands-on training and steady, supportive income that advocates say often makes the difference.
The latest $3 million in funding is Arizona’s largest investment in the program so far.
Officials say they plan to grow program capacity, remove barriers like childcare or transportation, and better reach underserved and rural communities.
A new statewide outreach campaign is also on the way, with a focus on bringing more women and Spanish speakers onto the jobsite.
By 2026, the hope is to double the number of apprentices to meet a rising demand for skilled workers.
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Public school closures are continuing throughout the Valley. The Alhambra Elementary district in west Phoenix is the latest to join the list. -
KJZZ’s Friday NewsCap revisits some of the biggest stories of the week from Arizona and beyond. -
A Scottsdale Unified School District employee has resigned after he was arrested for allegedly transporting undocumented people for profit. -
Librarians who work in public school or government-run libraries could face a felony charge if they recommend a book or media that contains sexually explicit content to a minor — including anything that depicts "sexual conduct, sexual excitement or ultimate sexual acts." -
Sixty-million tons of produce is destined for the landfill every year. The U.S. Agriculture Department says food waste accounts for up to 40% of the total food supply.
